The aesthetic medicine landscape in England is on the cusp of a significant transformation with the introduction of a Licensing Scheme for medical aesthetics under the Health and Care Act 2022. This pivotal regulation aims to enhance patient safety by ensuring that only licensed individuals can perform specific cosmetic procedures in licensed premises. This means that once this regulation comes into play, it will be a criminal offense to practice without a license.

With so many changes coming into play, we wanted to summarise the latest updates and everything we know about the licensing scheme so far. In particular, we want you to understand what the licensing scheme means for you as a practitioner.

The Essentials of the Licensing Scheme

This first step of this was an initial public consultation released by the government on September 2^nd, 2023, which closed on October 28^th, 2023. This consultation aimed to define the types of treatments to be included in the scheme, whether procedures should be carried out by healthcare professionals only or with clinical oversight, and whether certain procedures should only be carried out by Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered providers. We covered the initial consultation in detail in our blog post here.

This is what we know will be included in the new licensing scheme:

• Personal License Requirement: Practitioners must obtain a personal license to carry out designated cosmetic procedures.
• Premises License Requirement: Premises used for cosmetic procedures must also be licensed accordingly.
• Scope of Procedures: The scheme covers procedures including, but not limited to:
  • the application of substances into or through the epidermis
  • needle insertions
  • injections of a substance
  • thread placement
  • the application of light, electricity, cold, or heat
  • Broadly this will therefore include:
    • botulinum toxin
    • dermal fillers
    • skin boosters
    • microneedling
    • thread lifts 
    • laser procedures
  • Surgical or dental procedures are not included in this licensing scheme.
• License Application and Cost: Details on how to apply and the cost are still under discussion. Applications will be via practitioners’ local authority.
• Inspection and Compliance: Practitioners and premises will undergo inspections to ensure adherence to national standards. Failure to meet requirements and standards for the license will lead to practitioners being prohibited from practicing. It’s not yet known what sanctions will be applied to those who fail to meet required standards, but they will be imposed by local Environmental Health Officers.
• Timeline for Implementation: The Licensing Scheme is a work-in-progress, with an expected rollout between 2024 and 2026. The exact date remains unspecified. 

Frequently Asked Questions?

When will the regulation commence?

The exact date is yet to be announced. We are currently in the consultation period to determine the exact scope of standards for acquiring this license.

What changes for practitioners?

Specific training and operational standards will be set for those performing licensed procedures. Again, the details are yet to be determined, but we know it will be illegal to practice without a personal and premises license. Practitioners should act now to ensure they have obtained the necessary certifications of competency in order to be eligible for a license. 

The standards to obtain that license are being decided now. In general, anyone who practices procedures in the scope of the new license will need to show they meet a minimum standard of training. The premises will meet a national standard in health protection and infection control, which will be overseen by local environmental health officers.

Who can perform non-surgical cosmetic procedures?

Both medically-qualified and non-healthcare-trained practitioners can offer services but to a national standard. The aim of the license is to protect public safety by requiring all practitioners to meet a new minimum standard of training and education. Specific details on this standard are awaited.

Some procedures will be restricted to medically qualified practitioners only, or require clinical oversight for non-medical practitioners to perform them. Which procedures these will be and what clinical oversight will entail have yet to be decided. 

Is practitioner medical insurance mandatory?

Yes, it will be an essential part of the licensing requirements. Members of public should also have access to a formal complaints and redress scheme.

Will dermal fillers become prescription-only?

The government had stated that there are currently no plans for dermal fillers to be made into prescription-only devices. However, the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has stated it intends to bring in stricter rules for dermal fillers under UK medical device regulations, including the distribution of these products.

Final Thoughts

As a clinician in the aesthetic field, it is crucial to stay informed and proactive. The new licensing scheme will necessitate evidence of adequate training, adherence to health protection standards, and compliance with operational regulations. Current courses may not guarantee future license readiness, so following developments closely and engaging with reputable training providers like Acquisition Aesthetics is advisable.

Stay ahead of the curve by following updates and preparing to meet the impending standards. The goal is to create a safer, more professional environment for both practitioners and clients in the aesthetic medicine sector.